Raleigh India Expedition 12J

Alpha Two: Metakuppe Environmental Project


Otherwise Known As:
“Project Dark Horse”

Message to Venturers:
Get ready to burn the candle at both ends.

Introduction to the project:
The venturers will be involved with the reinforcement and rebuilding of elephant-proof trenches in the National Park. These provide bilateral protection to the elephants in the park and to the tribal communities whose land surrounds the area. At certain points these trenches have eroded allowing easy access for animals to pass from one side to the other.

Your task: an example of an elephant-proof trench

Brief Description of where the Venturers will be living:
Your home for this phase will be in the Inspection Bungalow in Metakuppe, within the National Park. The building, which is exactly 100 years old, was a gift from the last king of Mysore and is situated one kilometre down a dirt track in an area of secured land, patrolled by the park rangers.

The Inspection Bungalow

What are the highlights of the project:
You will have plenty of opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, on our Project Planning Visit we were lucky enough to sight an Indian tiger, close to our camp! This is apparently very rare and so an extremely exciting event for our first night. Other wildlife in the park includes: elephants, leopards, spotted deer, sloth bears, snakes and frogs!

Jenny and Suzanne in discussion with the Park Rangers

What else will be happening on the project:
There are lots of options for further exciting projects around the Inspection Bungalow which will be revealed on a phase-by-phase basis and plenty of ‘down-time’ to give you energy for the elephant trenches.
Also on offer is a chance to brush up on your languages. Suzanne (Project Manager) can give the group Irish lessons and there are plenty of park rangers around for lessons in Kannada language (the local language here in Karnataka). Watch out for Jenny, who will be rounding up the team for sessions of kick-boxing and yoga.

Don’t leave Fieldbase without:
Your work gloves and party hats! Any games or accessories to keep everyone entertained when not at work.

The team:

The team relax together outside

Project Managers Suzanne and Hana

Hana
The blonde bungalow bunny, always bouncing with energy.


Suzanne
An Irish party animal who will provide a huge amount of hilarity.


Jenny
The mad adventure medic. She may be small, but certainly makes up for it with speed and energy.